During 2016 Community Arts Network hosted a series of story gathering workshops in the Shire of Quairading. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people came together to share culture, photos and yarns about growing up on Ballardong country.

Australia’s proud agricultural history is well documented, however, the stories told from an Aboriginal perspective, is not. This project set out to give voice to those untold stories and record them for future generations.

CAN would like to thank the storytellers of Quairading for their commitment to this project and to all the community members and professional contributors who have made this publication possible.

Listen to the stories of the Ballardong people as they share their memories of growing up on country. The contribution they made to rural WA is significant, yet it’s a story that is not widely told as a part of Australia’s agricultural history.

This documentary, recorded in Quairading, gives voice to those who cleared the land, worked the farms and built the towns; while denied the same human rights as other Australians.

We thank them for sharing their stories with pride and humour and a generosity that is reflective of their incredible resilience.

Stories recorded and edited by Bill Bunbury. AOM

Coordinated by Ivy Penny and Yolande Yarran.

Please enjoy these beautiful images taken throughout the Noongar Workers project

Listen to the stories of the Ballardong peoples as they share their memories of growing up on country.

The contribution they made to rural WA is significant, yet it’s a story that is not widely told as part of Australia’s agricultural history.

Stories recorded and edited by Bill Bunbury OAM.
Coordinated by Ivy Penny and Yolande Yarran-Ward.
Produced by CAN.